The Avenue: The Innovation Issue

THE AVENUE VOL. 2 ISSUE 3

BEHIND THE SCENES OF

#TECHSTYLE Coming Soon to the MFA page 14

SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDING

LV x FINAL FANTASY

with Cover Model Kristian Talan page 52

Inside The Universe of Fashion & Gaming page 46

BRAINS & BEAUTY Technology Is Changing the Beauty Industry page 32

INNOVATION

THE

ISSUE

CROP TOP TOPSHOP JOGGERS URBAN OUTFITTERS SHOES NIKE

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THE AVENUE The Innovation Issue | Spring 2016 Vol. 2 Issue 3 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julia Le

BEAUTY EDITOR

Sarah Tahami

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Kathy Karcz

CREATIVE DIRECTOR CREATIVE ASSOCIATE

Elise Borja Abby Walker

GRAPHIC DESIGN DIRECTOR

Natasha Bonfield

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shelby Robin

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ART DIRECTOR WOMENSWEAR STYLING DIRECTOR WOMENSWEAR STYLISTS MENSWEAR STYLING DIRECTOR MENSWEAR STYLISTS SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTOGRAPHERS VIDEOGRAPHER TALENT RECRUITER HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS MARKETING DIRECTOR MARKETING ASSOCIATES

Erin Borst, Claudia Bracy, Fernanda Fiszner and Halley Husted Nate Hewes Olivia Laskowski Valerie Butler, Lauren Holappa and Duong Trinh Daniel McGorry Deston Barger and Liza Pereguda Alec MacLean and Lauren Nathan Harshita Himatsingka and Matthew McLaughlin Kyle Reisner Annie Wu Dana Dworkin, Dana Rocha and Sarah Tahami Kaan Donmez Sarah Cledy and Meredith Fisher

WRITERS

Valerie Butler, Sophy Chen, Meredith Fisher, Yashi Gudka, Harshita Himatsingka, Julia Le, Danny McGorry, Elizaveta Pereguda, Kyle Reisner, Dana Rocha and Ning Zhang

MODELS

Tove Bjork, Paris Cal, Nico Dionisotti, Joe Sousa, Kristian Talan and Margot Vincent

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TABLE of CONTENTS 6 FABRIC INNOVATION The Science Behind Fabric Construction 8 THE STYLIST EDIT Spring Essentials 12 3D PRINTING IN FASHION The Possibilities of Additive Manufacturing 14 BEHIND THE SCENES OF #TECHSTYLE Fashion Art at the MFA 18 A SPORTING EDGE Modernism in the Art of Athleisure 30 DESIGNER TECHWEAR Beyond Watches 32 TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION Magic on the Runway 34 BRAINS & BEAUTY How Technology is Changing the Beauty Industry 36 MODERN METROPOLITAN Inspired by Minimalism and Mid-Century Design 48 LV x FINAL FANTASY Inside the Universe of Fashion & Gaming 50 THE END OF ANIMAL TESTING How New Cosmetic Testing Technologies Can Make a Difference 52 ON & OFF-STAGE STYLE The Most Fashionable Bands of 2016 #TECHSTYLE P. 14 4

54 BUILDING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA BRAND An Interview with Model, Kristian Talan

Letter

from the

EDITOR As the race for the newest technologies continues to change everything from how we envision the future to the endless possibilities of its application, innovation arises in more forms of creation than one.

Welcome to Fashion & Retail Society’s eighth issue of The Avenue magazine, The Innovation Issue. I’m extremely honored—and delighted—to introduce not only the premiere issue of 2016, but also The Avenue’s first issue to ever be made available in print, in addition to its traditional online format.

The Innovation Issue captures a glimpse at modernism and the genius of science and design within the industry, touching upon various topics including product and garment construction that occupy a space between form and function. From the ways technology has reinvented the runway, to how the gaming industry has become the inspiration behind the campaign of a world-renowned luxury brand, the articles focus on some of the most cutting-edge progressions in the fashion and beauty industries.

Beyond the discussion of trends, the issue features two interviews that reflect the curation and influence of our own city of Boston—a city that has a lot to add to the conversation, but is often overlooked for its contributions to fashion. The first, features Michelle Finamore, curator of fashion art at the MFA, in discussion of the upcoming 3D printing fashion showcase, #Techstyle. The second, is a talk with our cover model, Kristian Talan, of Maggie Inc., about how he uses Instagram to build his personal brand, and how it launched his career.

Finally, I’d like to thank the entire team of The Avenue for their passion and hard work over the past couple of months. Without their dedication and many sleepless nights, this all would not have been made possible.

I hope you enjoy reading The Innovation Issue, as much as we had producing it.

Kindest Regards,

Julia Le Editor-in-Chief, The Avenue

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THE

SCIENCE OF

FA B R I C CONSTRUCTION Written by Sophy Chen

Photos courtesy of biocouture.co.uk, fashionbombdaily.com, pinterest.com

As the past two decades have erupted with more advances in the sciences than ever before, we are undoubtedly living in the tech age. The impact of these advancements show in the phones we use, the medicine that keeps us healthy and even the clothes we wear. The textile industry is always changing, and nowadays there are so many more options for designers than just cotton and silk.

Synthetics have been popular ever since the rise of polyester in the ‘50s. Since then, there has been a range of fabrics being created by the most unique of materials. Many of these fabrics were created as a way to provide more sustainable and eco-friendly options in the textile industry. Qmilch, for example, is a fabric made out of what is basically sour milk. Created by Anke Domaske, a former microbiology student, Qmilch is created with milk fibers from raw milk that has been deemed unsuitable for consumption. She was inspired to create the product when she was looking for clothes that were chemically untreated for her father to wear. This biofiber is made with 100% renewable resources, is naturally antimicrobial and has a comfortable, silky touch. Another

example is Suzanne Lee, founder of BioCouture, who has been creating fabric from tea and bacteria. She

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grows bacteria in huge tubs where they form a biofilm, which is then collected and dried. Depending on the “recipe,” the fabric can be either be thin and transparent, or thick and leather-like.

Naturally they are tan, but can be colored using vegetable dyes.

Besides these new synthetic materials, many ordinary fabrics have also been made into something extraordinary with the use of technology—whether it be via printing, or the addition of tech to the fabric creation process. Fashion designer, Mary Katrantzou, has been a leading player in the textile print side of the fashion industry, having won the prestigious Swiss Textiles Award. She designs intricate scenes with bright flowers mixed with geometric flourishes to create a remarkable print. Printing directly on fabric, rather than dying fabric, saves a remarkable amount of time, water and energy in making the final product.

Another rising trend is the use of e-textiles, or smart fabrics. Unlike fabric printing, which uses technology to manipulate fabric, e-textiles, incorporate technological elements into the

“ORDINARY FABRICS HAVE BEEN MADE INTO SOMETHING

fabric itself. Using conductive thread, LED lights and computers, these fabrics are able to light up, take your biometrics, and even work as WITH THE USE OF computers themselves. Vega Wang, not to be confused with TECHNOLOGY” Vera Wang, is a designer from Beijing; she uses electroluminescence that give pieces an ethereal glow, and can be controlled by a computer to display various patterns. Thin pieces of fabric are sculpted over the electroluminescent material in order for the light-blue glow to shine through. E-textiles have even made their way up to the luxury fashion scene. Only a couple weeks ago, in the SS16 NYFW show, Zac Posen showed off his collection of codable gowns. He teamed up with Made with Code to create the collection and promote women in the field of computer science. The program he used is easy enough for young girls to use and code their own LED dress.

EXTRAORDINARY

The world of textiles is ever-changing. While most companies and brands still stick with traditional fabrics, with the increasing creation of new materials, it is expected that they will gain popularity in the coming years. Maybe in a year or two, you will be wearing your very own vegan leather item made out of bacteria!

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THE STYLIST EDIT: SPRING ESSENTIALS | WOMENSWEAR Written by Valerie Butler

RETRO JEANS You thought “American Hustle” was the last of you’d see of the 70s? Think again.

High waisted, flared and embroidered jeans flatter any figure. Style them with a pair of platforms and you’re ready to go. This season’s ‘70s trend is the raddest, hippest and most dynamite one out there.

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Abercrombie & Fitch $39

LACE-UP SHOES Don’t just lace up your trainers, lace up all your shoes! Lace-ups and Ghillies are spring’s hottest shoe style.

Steve Madden $90, Zara $60

POLAROID CAMERAS Snapping OOTDs on your iPhone is not the only way to save a memory. Polaroid Instant Digital cameras self-develop your pictures before you know it. We can’t wait to get our hands on the new environmentally friendly polaroids!

Amazon $60, $145

ADIDAS SUPERSTAR SHOE Originally low-top basketball sneakers, Adidas ‘Superstars’ have stolen the spotlight as the collegiate shoe of choice. We’ve been seeing shell toes all around campus in different colors and styles. These unisex kicks are a great shoe for back-to-back classes and spring break.

Adidas $80

CHOKERS Chokers are making a comeback in all shapes and sizes. Pair them with an off-the-shoulder top, or basic T, to make any outfit stand out.

Free People $28

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THE STYLIST EDIT: SPRING ESSENTIALS | MENSWEAR Written by Valerie Butler

LACE SHIRTS Last season, Burberry introduced us to lace long coats and button downs for men; this season the trend is in full swing. It softens any look, and is wearable for the office or being out and about.

Burberry $895

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BOMBER JACKETS This spring, leave your leather jacket at home. The casual look and versatile style of bomber jackets make them a go-to for layering.

Calvin Klein $80

4-IN-1 LENS For the iPhone photographer, invest in a 4-in-1 lens that comes equipped with the fisheye, wide-angle and 10x and 15x micro lens options. There are plenty of colors to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect one to match your iPhone accessories.

Olloclip $70

MINIMALIST SNEAKERS Less is more with monochrome sneakers. Style these with a pair of skinny jeans or joggers.

Adidas $70

HATS One of New York Fashion Week’s most prominent trends both on and off the runway this season was hats. Not only do fedoras, beanies and bucket hats protect you from the wind, but they also double as chic accessories.

Tilly’s $15, Blue and Cream $137

WHITE PANTS Nothing says “prep” like white chinos and trousers. White pants are an excellent investment for the fall and are must for any guy who wants to show his bold side.

ASOS $14 11

Written by Harshita Himatsingka Gone are the days when printing was solely limited to school projects and assignments. With new technology, comes a new era where fabrics and clothing can be printed using 3D printers instead of being woven from natural threads.

Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen first introduced the concept of using 3D printers in the fashion industry in 2010 when she debuted a 3D-printed dress at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. The dress resembled a black “web woven over the body,” constructed of laser sintered plastic and named among Time magazine’s “50 Best Inventions” of the year in 2011. In 2013, Herpen, along with architect Julia Koerner and Materialise, an innovative 3D printing manufacturer was the first to develop the first printable material that is ultra-flexible, cushioning, durable and elastic. This lightweight textile, called TPU-92A-1, that can also be put in the washing machine.

Since then, 3D printing materials have progressed from plastics to materials like nylon, wood, salt and cement.

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Also, in the last year, Aaron Rowley, Marcus Foley and Joseph White have potentially come up with the prototype for the first-ever 3D fabric printer, Electroloom.

They bonded fibers use metal chopsticks and an electric field, creating a “non-woven digitally designed textile that flexes, folds and flows just like any other woven textile.”

Using this technology, they have printed sheets, tank tops, skirts and beanies. The nano scale fibers they use are made from a custom polyester/cotton blend. Currently, the fabrics are only available in white but the team is working together to introduce more colors, “like blue and yellow, and more materials, like silk and acrylic blends.”

Since then, 3D printing has made several more debuts on the runway. The diamond-encrusted wings worn by Lindsay Ellingson in 2013’s Victoria’s Secret show were printed out by Shapeways, a popular 3D printing marketplace and service startup. Even more recently, during the Chanel Fall-Winter 2015/16 Haute Couture show in Paris, fashion mogul, Karl Lagerfeld had models strut down in classic Chanel suits with square-cut shoulders and trim made using selective laser sintering technology.

Today, more and more companies are utilizing 3D printing technology and incorporating it into their designs. Hot Pop Factory and Jenny Wu print 3D jewelry, New Balance prints shoes and Ron Arab prints sunglasses. A few brave companies out there have even experimented with printing full outfits. Continuum, a San Francisco based company has started using 3D printers to print custom-made bikinis for its customers, using material nylon to print every custom order. British Designer Catherine Wales, who is best known for her Project DNA collection, printed avant-garde masks, accessories and apparel—all with white nylon. A fashion collective called threeASFOUR, have also been working with 3D printed garments for a while now, working to make garments move in a way not possible with traditional weaving and knitting methods, according to designer Gabriel Asfour.

As the technology for printing garments continues to grow and develop, there are some concerns with using the 3D printing. The printing process takes a large amount of energy to “keep plastic heated and malleable at high temperatures.” However, if other materials like wood composite are used, “power usage can be drastically decreased potentially making this type of printing greener.” Also, the cost to make a single outfit with the printer currently available is around $10,000. So, unless the garments made from printing have the same feel and natural fibers, most people will not want to and will not be able to purchase such expensive clothes.

While the technology of 3D printing has not caught up with the practical aspects of garments yet, huge strides have been made in acquiring a technology that was used only by architects and engineers a few years ago. As many designers are beginning to incorporate aspects of this new trend into their designs and collections, and the general public is becoming more and more familiar with the concept, the future of 3D printing looks pretty bright.

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Written by Liza Pereguda and Kyle Reisner Shoes made on a 3D printer, laser cut designs and eco-friendly cloth that replace the chemically toxic process of dyeing are amongst many other innovations that blend fashion and technology and are being assembled for the first time as part of a gallery show at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

On view from March 6 to July 10, 2016, “#techstyle” will be the museum’s first exhibit to have a hashtag in its title and will feature designs from 30 couturiers including Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen and Viktor&Rolf Haute Couture. The MFA’s curator of fashion arts, Michelle Finamore, said the show is a departure for the museum, known as a world-class institution its more traditional collections.

“I am a curator of 20th and 21st century fashion so I need to stay abreast of what’s happening on the contemporary scene. And what is currently happening is that there is this amazing synergy between fashion designers and technologists,” said Finamore from her office at the MFA. “I think what we are hoping is that the exhibition will draw a younger audience because of the technology aspect. Judging from my 11-year-old son, you know, what I’ve shown him related to the show, I think it might actually work,” she added, laughing.

We had the chance to talk with Finamore about how #techstyle came to be, and how it’s different than anything else the MFA has ever attempted. The visit to Finamore’s office started with the glance at the Voltage 3D Couture Dress, which was made from 3D‐printed polyurethane rubber and acrylic, steel cage, cotton twill inner lining and silk satin lining.

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Photos courtesy of mfa.com

So I’m guessing that the idea to organize the #techstyle exhibition arose from the dress you just showed us, didn’t it?

Yes, a lot of what inspired the idea came from that dress.

It was the museum’s acquisition in 2013. I had [Israeli Designer and Architect] Neri Oxman at MIT Media Lab and she had mentioned that she was working on this dress and I thought: ‘Oh, kind of interesting. Let’s see what it is.’ Then I realized she was working with Iris van Herpen who is one of the most amazing avant-garde contemporary designers out there. So I just followed the progression of what was going with the dress and then it became one of the first 3D-printed dresses to come down a Paris runway.

I watched the runway show and thought, ‘Oh this will be such an ideal piece for the museum because not only is Iris doing a really amazing work, but Neri Oxman is here in Cambridge at the Media Lab.’ It just linked the national and international, the local and the global, in this—I think—very interesting way.

Well, about two years.

Two years?

Yes, and that’s actually a little bit short.

What is so special about the production of the dress?

Oh, really?

It represented an incredible step in the technology because it was the first dress piece that was printed using a hard and a soft material. It could actually be formed into a garment, which is key to what Neri brought to the process for Iris. A lot of 3D printing is harder plastic or synthetic pieces that [are] articulated in a way so that they can form a dress or a garment. But to actually be able to almost drape it like you would a traditional piece of fabric was not really done at that point. So this was very unique about the dress.

Yeah, [starts laughing] for museum exhibitions you really want three to five years. One of the issues we kept confronting is that we’re trying to present the present and future of this fashion technology collaboration and it’s very hard to stay current, if you are doing that within the museum context because you need so much time to plan. One way we got around that was to commission four to five different pieces that kind of represent the next stage. They are really quite future-looking or forward-thinking.

So now with the introduction of 3D printing, is it no longer just about creating sketches?

When you say present and future of design, how far into the future are you thinking? Is this projecting 70 years?

Five?

Yes. Again, people were experimenting with this, and a computer-aided design is a key part of the training that any designer gets these days. I think there has just been an explosion in creativity in terms of incorporating those technologies and doing something new and different with it.

As for the time period, how long did it take you to organize the exhibition? I mean, from the moment the idea arose until the actual opening of the #techstyle exhibition.

That’s a good question. I would say 10 to 20 is probably what we are thinking about. We have a piece that we’ve commissioned from a designer named Kate Goldsworthy who is at Central Saint Martin’s. She is exploring how you can use laser bonding and fusing to not only pattern fabric but also to seam it. Kate is making something that is called Zero Waste Dress (2016). Everything is driven by the laser fusion.

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Besides the supportive ‘museum family’ there must be some conservatives who would rather have more ‘accepted’ works of art on the display at the MFA. What reactions do you expect to get from these kinds of visitors?

The dress itself has no seams—it’s laser-bonded. But also the variety of patterns you can get in the textile itself using this laser bonding— and she is using recycled polyester, I believe—is astonishing. The textures, and the feel and everything is very diverse. She is at the cast of innovating this kind of technique and it’s going to take a long time for it to actually have any kind of mass production or any kind of higher volume. But what she is doing—that’s the future.

As for the target audience, what kind of visitors do you expect to get? What are your expectations?

We always have our museum family, who is going to see most of what we put up. We have our general membership, which is really across the board. The demographics are quite wide, generally, but [they’re] mostly local folks who are members. We have this #tweetthedress that is embedded with LED screens and you are going to be able to interact with that and send the images related to the museum collections.

They are working on some animated imagery related to things in the museum and then you are also going to be able to tweet it. I think having this kind of performance aspect of these clothes is going to be appealing to a younger audience, and hopefully men. I mean, we have our fashion crowd who comes to see our shows. I would say a large percentage of that is women [and] young girls, but I think this has an added appeal because of the technology aspect and I’m hoping that will prove true.

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Well, I can’t see why anyone would have an issue with that. I’m coming out from my own perspective. I’m excited about this subject and this is what I do. Some people may find it surprising to see fashion in the museum setting.

Fashion has come a long way and now so many major institutions are exploring fashion as a form of art. I don’t think you need to make the argument anymore that it is.

The opening of the #techstyle exhibition marks the 10th Anniversary of the Fashion Council.

Could you explain a little bit about the occupation of this unique group of people?

The Fashion Council is a group of museum supporters who pay a membership fee every year, and we provide them with programming: we take trips to various places and educate them about fashion as a form of art in various ways. Their membership dues go toward our acquisition fund. For example, the Nerry Oxman and Iris van Herpen dress was purchased because of our Fashion Council fund.

The members are passionate about fashion, but also want to support the museum.

Which exhibition items are you the most excited about?

Let’s see... I love them all! It’s really hard to choose one. I’m very excited about the piece we have from Viktor&Rolf. The Dutch design duo is really amazing at blurring the fashion art and performance line. We have a piece in the show from the collection called ‘Wearable Art.’ The models came down the runway and it looked like they had had museum masterpieces kind of crushed over their heads. The dress looks like a framed masterpiece, but it’s actually a wearable dress. What’s really interesting from the exhibition perspective is that they [dresses] are masterpieces of all these different types of technologies that are being applied in fashion. It incorporates digital printing on fabric, laser-cutting, bonded fabrics, Jacquard looms. It’s just a beautiful melting of technology and handcraft.

In terms of the variety of the types of pieces, you mentioned a lot of dresses. What other kinds of articles of fashion are there?

Oh, yes. So we have accessories, a couple of pairs of shoes that are 3D-printed, a Ralph Lauren Ricky bag, which can basically charge your cell-phone, a man’s ensemble... I’d love to have more menswear in there, but we just didn’t find it for this show. And there is a lot of video in the exhibition, because one of the points for making the exhibit is how very strong relationship now between what you’re seeing on the screen and the way designers are designing. We consider the video as an artistic piece of the exhibition.

Do you think the synergy between fashion and technology can only apply to haute couture or is it possible to combine those two in prêt–à–porter as well?

It is definitely possible. And I think you’ll see examples of that in the show.

We do have quite a few things: from the conceptual to the wearable. We really have both of those extremes covered as well as a few things in between. And again, with some of it you’ll see that five-ten years down the road it will be incorporated on a much wider scale with ready-to-wear garments as well.

Do you think it will affect the production the way clothes are made, or will it change the look of what we are wearing in the future?

Oh, I think it will change the look.

It’s impossible not to change the look in many ways and a lot of designers are responding to… For example, the digital printing on fabric it’s a very kind of basic technology that has really revolutionized the industry, but it has changed the way designers approach design in many ways. You’re thinking about how this very graphic imagery is going to look on a body in a dress and

then the construction is determined in conjunction with an actual print. It is exciting.

Since Boston isn’t big in the fashion industry, do you think these kinds of fashion exhibitions may change something about that?

Boston does not have a great reputation as being a fashion-forward city and we see that reflected in our collections. It’s very interesting when you look at the history of what has come into museum. In the late 19th century, a lot of the women in Boston were actually quite progressive in the way they dressed and they patronized Paris couture houses. And then, 20th century kind of falls off. But I think we are on an upswing here, and what Boston can offer is that we are a technology hub. If there are designers who are interested in thinking about futuristic fashion or technologically advanced fashion, Boston is a great place to do it.

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A SPORTING EDGE MODELS TOVE BJORK, NICO DIONISOTTI, KRISTIAN TALAN AND MARGOT VINCENT

SPORTS BRA NIKE BOMBER JACKET H&M

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Arguably one of the most popular style movements at the moment, athleisure embraces comfort while also working to redefine what is seen as being fashion-forward. The resulting collection relies heavily on a mix of athletic wear and simplistic versions of more traditional modern ensembles.

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ON LEFT JACKET FOREVER 21 TOP ADIDAS PANTS H&M SHOES ADIDAS CENTER JACKET/TOP/PANTS H&M SHOES PALLADIUM ON RIGHT SPORTS BRA NIKE BOMBER JACKET H&M LEGGINGS NIKE SHOES ADIDAS

JACKET/TOP/PANTS H&M SHOES PALLADIUM

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ON LEFT JACKET FOREVER 21 TOP ADIDAS PANTS H&M SHOES ADIDAS CENTER SPORTS BRA NIKE BOMBER JACKET H&M LEGGINGS NIKE SHOES ADIDAS

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RIGHT JACKET/TOP/PANTS H&M

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TOP ADIDAS PANTS ZARA SHOES PALLADIUM

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ON LEFT SPORTS BRAS NIKE BOMBER JACKETS H&M LEGGINGS NIKE SHOES ADIDAS

ON RIGHT SPORTS BRA NIKE BOMBER JACKET H&M LEGGINGS NIKE SHOES ADIDAS

CENTER JACKET FOREVER 21 TOP ADIDAS PANTS H&M SHOES ADIDAS

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ON LEFT JACKET FOREVER 21 TOP ADIDAS PANTS H&M CENTER SPORTS BRA NIKE BOMBER JACKET H&M LEGGINGS NIKE

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CENTER SPORTS BRA NIKE BOMBER JACKET H&M LEGGINGS NIKE ON RIGHT JACKET/TOP/PANTS H&M

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JACKET/TOP/PANTS NIKE

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COAT THEORY TOP ADIDAS PANTS ZARA SHOES PALLADIUM

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DESIGNER TECHWEAR ( B E Y O N D WAT C H E S ) Written by Meredith Fisher

As technology is arguably the most defining feature of our generation, companies are capitalizing on the obsession by making technology

wearable. Watches were the first big thing to combine fashion and technology, however wearable tech is now expanding to encapsulate so many more accessories that bridge the gap between fashion and function. Designers are allowing us to veil our technological addiction with glitz, gold, diamonds and more. Bracelets, rings, necklaces and bags serve a higher purpose than just looking pretty. You might wear your wearable tech ring to a cocktail party, your fitness tracker to the gym or your charging bracelet when you’re out shopping. Wearable tech allows us to stay functional and fabulous.

$60 AT REBECCAMINKOF.COM

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IF YOU NEED A CHARGE Handbag maker, Kate Spade, has teamed up with Everpurse to create a line of purses with built-in phone chargers. A small pocket on the inside of the bag serves as a charging dock for iPhone devices, allowing users to stay at a fresh 100% charge on the go. The streamlined design consolidates multiple functions into one product, and allows you to leave all extra cables, batteries and wall adapters at home. No extra cables, and no extra hassle. The purse is charged by being placed on a mat that instantly powers it up without being plugged in. That special place you put your purse down on when you walk through the door will now keep it fully charged and ready to go when you are.

Another chic charging device is Rebecca Minkoff ’s Lightning Cable Bracelet.

Whether you’re at a café, the office or on-the-go, you will always have a glitzy accessory and a Lightning to USB cable when you need it. Use your computer or a wall adapter for a brief charge, or quickly sync your phone and import files. The faceted gold piece at the top unhinges and reveals both ends of the cord. Even without the adaptive functionality, the bracelet still serves as a great accessory for everyday wear.

$169 AT MYMIRAFIT.COM

$698 AT KATESPADE.COM

IF YOU WANT TO BE FIT The Mira Bracelet functions as a fitness tracker but is versatile enough that it can be worn at the gym, at work or out on the town. Mira tracks your steps, distance, elevation and calories. It sends you motivational messages to keep you right on track with your goals, but doesn’t stick out like other obvious trackers. The tracker is set in a sleek stainless steel cuff and is available in five neutral colors including “Heart of Gold” and “Rosé All Day” depending on your taste. The unit itself can be taken out of the bracelet so you can clip it on to jackets, belts, and pockets if you don’t want to wear anything around your wrist on a particular day. It also comes in multiple sizes for a custom fit.

IF YOU WANT TO BE DISCREET Ringly syncs with your iOS or Android device to alert you of calls, messages and emails you might miss when you are apart from your phone. It also works with third-party applications including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and of course Tinder so you won’t miss a single message. The ring features slight vibrations and a small LED light on the side of the ring to signal alerts from your phone. You get the most relevant information without the disruption of a flashing screen, allowing your messages to remain discreet.

Ringly CEO says, “It makes you feel like a secret agent, you know what’s happening but no one else does.” There are no screws, buttons, or USB ports. It quietly flaunts function, while looking just as gorgeous as your other cocktail rings.

It’s essentially the best looking pager of the 21st century.

$195 AT RINGLY.COM

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TECHNOLOGICAL

INNOVATION MAGIC ON THE RUNWAY Displaying the futuristic culture and art of a generation

Written by Yashi Gudka

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Anrealage SS16

Chromat dress

Photos courtesy of Topshop, Met Museum, Telegraph, Zimbio, NY Times

s brands cross the intersection between fashion and technology, our perception of runway shows is sure to change within the next decade. This subject matter has racked up a multitude of discourse in the fashion world as designers aspire to revolutionize the way people see, buy and wear clothing. There has been significant development in clothing design as demonstrated as such by the collections displayed at China Graduate Fashion Week at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology. In addition, the means of fashion show coverage and publicity has been modified; for example, drones at Rebecca Minkoff ’s NYFW show were used to record aerial footage and 360-degree views of the models. Another unconventional mechanism used was Topshop’s virtual reality fashion show which allowed customers to watch their FW2014/15 fashion show through 3D glasses at their flagship store. Through such means, brands are able to become more inclusive, thus slowly eradicating the idea of exclusivity in who can and cannot experience the runway.

Beyond the new technology that converges with fashion to transform the method of projection for runway shows, more attention is being garnered to the impact of technology on the aesthetics of the collections. The moment that caused the fashion world to take a second glance at the way technology has the potential to elevate the aesthetics a brand wishes to express, was when two robots spray painted Alexander McQueen’s Dress No.13 from his SS1999 collection, according to the Met. The use of robots has progressed since—most remarkably at the Philipp Plein SS16 show where giant robots analyzed photographs of outfits, and provided models with corresponding accessories. Moreover, combining the elements of interactiveness with inclusivity, users viewing through Google Cardboard were able to push a “like” button, causing the robots to light up. Whether or not the use of technology was part of the narrative the collection was aiming to achieve, it definitely gave a nod to the technological energy of this generation.

The latest hype of technological entanglement in fashion is the concept of wearable tech on the runway. The occasional yawn over the Google Glass and Apple Watch indicates that the zenith of fashion and technology convergence has yet to be discovered. Could it be through interweaving technological creativity and “smart” style into clothing fabric?

Chromat NYFW 2015 and Anrealage SS16 are two brands that have revealed the latest cutting-edge collection and runways shows. Intel collaborated with “architectural sportswear” brand Chromat to integrate their Intel® Curie™ Module to sports bras and dresses; the bras gauge heat levels and “open

vents and cool the body down,” and the dresses expand in response to high stress levels. Although the pieces will not be sold, the intent was to display how Intel technology can be used by designers, thus endorsing the advantages of wearable tech through the runway. Anrealage, a brand known for fabric innovation showcased one of the most unique runway shows at Paris Fashion Week in 2015. Guests were instructed to turn on the flash and take photos of the show; what looked like plain fabric revealed kaleidoscopic shapes and patterns that glowed in the dark, activated by the flash of a camera.

As integration between fashion and technology continues to emerge, runway shows also continue to evolve, changing the status quo. Not only does this bring a breath of fresh air to runway shows, but it also alters the impression of the audience—propelling some of the most influential names into the creative depths of tech-wear and runway production.

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HOW TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE

Photos courtesy of buro247.sg, marodspa.com, lorealparisusa.com, theglossy.sephora.com

Written by Ning Zhang While the idea of beauty has been around since the ancient times, many believe that it is a static form of art. It is simply makeup put on our skin that makes us look better, but innovation changes the way products are made and used. Companies have begun conducting extensive research to preserve the vibrant youth of many beauty-conscious individuals. As people have become more conscious about their health and physical appearances, beauty has evolved into a high-tech industry with the emergence of new, top-quality products.

Repair became one of the main focuses of innovative research. Allergan came out with Latisse, a lash growth product that is available for prescription. It uses chemicals to help grow longer, thicker and darker eyelashes within 16 weeks, replacing mascara for a more permanent solution. Although a bit costly—at $120 for a 30-day supply— it’s a hot item on the market worth checking out.

What is more surprising in innovation is the use of NASA technology.

While NASA is known for its breakthroughs in aerospace, research has been conducted on using light to increase cellular growth by up to 200%, speeding up healing processes.

Instead of sticking to traditional methods of laser treatment and facelifts, red and blue lights painlessly

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combat the effects of aging without any side effects. Quasar Bio-Tech incorporated this research into developing a tool called Baby Quasar Light Therapy to reduce wrinkles, cure acne hyper-pigmentation and reduce pore size. This new home treatment brings convenience to many people as they do not have to frequent their demonologists. For those suffering from acne and large pores, this technology can be a solution to improving skin condition.

Along with treatments, large companies such as L’Oréal and Google have focused research on reinventing the idea of online customer service.

Using face mapping, an algorithm that uses facial contour points, L’Oréal launched an app called Makeup Genius.

Acting as an interactive mirror, the app allows people to apply the selected L’Oréal products on their virtual skin.

If they like the effects, they can immediately purchase the product online without having to physically move from store to store. The app allows users to see the effects of the makeup from all angles. While moving, the camera captures the changing facial features, expressions, and lighting conditions, and adjusts the makeup accordingly. After

application, users can save the look and share the photo via social media. Additionally, the app can be used in-store by scanning the product and trying it on immediately. Makeup Genius is a one-of-a-kind technology that is bringing an interactive shopping experience to users and evolving the way people shop and try on beauty products.

Lastly, in partnership with Pantone, Sephora launched the Color IQ device that helps consumers find the right product match. The device will scan the skin and assigns it a specific IQ number. The IQ number will indicate the best foundation, lip and concealer matches. Different from traditional cameras, the Color IQ device captures the skin in darkness, eliminating any outside factor that can distort the image. This technology creates accurate matches that consumers can find through the device without going through the entire store to find the best shade. The Color IQ device demonstrates the trend of using technology to easily find, try and buy beauty products.

With science and technology advancing so quickly, it won’t be long before technology is completely integrated into the beauty industry. Light therapy, face mapping and Color IQ mark the beginning of a technologically-driven industry.

Makeup artists are utilizing 360-degree, first-person filming to teach application courses. Laser skin care treatment is becoming increasingly popular to rejuvenate and revive skin, and even alter the shape of the face. It’s only a matter of time before technology and beauty become mainstream... what will they think of next?

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PANTS ZARA CROP TOP URBAN OUTFITTERS NECKLACE BAUBLE BAR

MODERN

METROPOLITAN MODELS

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PARIS CAL, JOE SOUSA, KRISTIAN TALAN AND MARGOT VINCENT

Ideally suited for contemporary living, this collection draws influence from minimalism and mid-century design with a refined color palette and geometric prints. In the process, the styling has also been tailored to ease the transition from winter to spring.

JACKET ZARA TOP H&M PANTS HAWKINGS MCGILL

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JACKET MARC NEW YORK SWEATER ZARA PANTS BULLHEAD SHOES MERONA

ON LEFT COAT MEMBERS ONLY JACKET ZARA TOP H&M PANTS HAWKINGS MCGILL SHOES COLE HAAN CENTER PANTS H&M SWEATER ZARA NECKLACE BAUBLE BAR JACKET CANADA GOOSE ON RIGHT COAT MARC NEW YORK SWEATER ZARA PANTS BULLHEAD SHOES MERONA

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ON LEFT BLAZER ZARA HEELS SAM EDELMAN PANTS EQUIPMENT SHIRT MINK PINK NECKLACE BAUBLEBAR CENTER SWEATER ZARA PANTS BULLHEAD SHOES MERONA

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CENTER PANTS H&M SWEATER ZARA NECKLACE BAUBLE BAR ON RIGHT JACKET ZARA SWEATER H&M PANTS MARSHMALLS SHOES COLE HAAN

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PANTS ZARA CROP TOP URBAN OUTFITTERS NECKLACE BAUBLE BAR

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CENTER JACKET ZARA SWEATER H&M PANTS MARSHALLS SHOES COLE HAAN

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ON LEFT PANTS H&M SWEATER ZARA NECKLACE BAUBLE BAR CENTER BLAZER ZARA HEELS SAM EDELMAN PANTS EQUIPMENT SHIRT MINK PINK NECKLACE BAUBLEBAR

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CENTER SWEATER ZARA PANTS BULLHEAD SHOES MERONA ON RIGHT JACKET ZARA SWEATER H&M PANTS MARSHMALLS SHOES COLE HAAN

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x

FINAL FANTASY

THE UNIVERSE OF FASHION & GAMING Written by Julia Le Over the past couple of decades, various collaborations with artists such as Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince have allowed French fashion house, Louis Vuitton, to cultivate a fine balance between timeless luxury and sophistication, with modern expression. While the name behind the iconic monogram has not been one to shy away from experimentation in terms of brand aesthetics, this season’s campaign particularly sparked interest as creative director, Nicolas Ghesquière, casted the star and model of the SS16 ‘series 4’ campaign as the female protagonist of the popular roleplaying game, Final Fantasy XIII.

fashion industry, but the gaming word as well—speaking more to female gamers, and piquing the interest of male gamers alike. In the Final Fantasy series, Lightning is a strong, mysterious, accomplished warrior, hardened by her experiences in the world she’s living in. Still, while she embodies strength, Lightning also reveals a sense of compassion, and serves as an admirable character for the brand.

Even for those who have no interest in playing video games, the casting of this unexpected muse brings compelling parallelisms to our realities. In the interview from Telegraph, when asked how it feels to become a Louis Vuitton ambassador, Lightning responds: “My clothes were nothing more

Partnered with video game artist, designer and director Tetsuya Nomura of Square Enix, Lightning is currently featured as an ambassador of LV, embodying the dual “The Maison has existence of reality and fantasy—the always pushed the inspiration for boundaries of reality and this season’s dreams. Real, virtual, incarnate, collection. In metaphorical: Lightning is the fruit addition to her own digital of Square Enix studios’ imagination, photoshoot, and she raises the question of the heroine immanence - that which takes was featured in a short campaign place solely in the mind - in film within the tomorrow’s world.” series, as well as an — louisvuitton.com interview. This bold move turned heads not only in the

Photos courtesy of: telegraph.co.uk dailymail.co.uk

than armor to stay alive; “dressing up” was a concept I’ve never had.”

While there is the essential element of practicality in her words. I can’t seem to help myself in drawing the similarity to Bill Cunningham’s own famous phrase.“The point is that fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life,” and whatever your reality may be, fashion serves a purpose—a means of confronting the world in ways that leave interpretation truly up to the individual.

As video games have begun to emerge in view of mainstream culture—from the popular videogame streaming services such as Twitch to eSports coverage on ESPN—the gaming world has expanded to reach people from many varying spectrums of interest. Fascination has arisen about not only the extent to which technology can affect the fashion industry, but also how collaborations like this change the scope of conversation, and reflect the ever-evolving attitudes of, what Ghesquière describes as, the digital frontier.

THE END OF

ANIMAL TESTING How New Cosmetic Testing Technologies Can Make a Difference Written by Dana Rocha Documentation and references relating to animal testing can be traced back to the Greeks in the 3rd century BCE, with Aristotle and Erasistratus among the first to perform scientific experiments on living animals. Cosmetic experimentation on animals, however, truly began after an incident in 1933 that left more than a dozen women blind and one dead after using a permanent mascara called Lash Lure. Lash Lure contained an extremely toxic coal dye—p-Paraphenylenediamine—which caused blisters and ulcers to the eyes and face. At the time, cosmetics were highly unregulated and the dangers of p-Paraphenylenediamine were unknown. This incident led to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938. Although cosmetics are included under the act, it only gives the federal government the responsibility to oversee the safety of cosmetic

products and the ability to classify the products.

The regulation of cosmetic products was left as the manufacturer’s responsibility. In an attempt to avoid future incidents, cosmetic companies began testing their products on animals.

According to PETA, more than 100 million animals—including mice, rats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and monkeys—are killed each year in U.S. laboratories for chemical, drug, food and cosmetic testing.

Fortunately, the development of alternative testing methods is growing. New methods range from experiments on human volunteers and computer-program simulations, to testing on lab-grown skin.

A major contribution to animal-free testing strategies is the Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability Test, and the Isolated Chicken Eye Test, which are both used for eye irritation and eye injury testing.

The approval for these methods in 2013 marked the first time that in-vitro methods were accepted for identifying irritant chemicals for the eyes. Both methods use eyes from animals slaughtered for the meat industry instead of live rabbits to detect chemicals and products that can severely irritate the eyes.

The most recent development comes from a partner-

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Photos courtesy of: flickr.com, wired.com, animalspot.com

ship between French cosmetics company, L’Oreal, and a California-based startup, Organovo. This project will allow the beauty manufacturer to test its products on 3D-printed human skin using Organovo’s 3D bioprinting technology. The 3D-printed skin is derived from real human skin cells donated from plastic surgery patients, and mimics the form and function of tissues native to the human body.

Presently, L’Oreal controls Episkin and SkinEthic—companies that focus on reconstructing skin models and tissue engineering, which saves the lives of thousands of animals each year from skin corrosion and irritation tests. L’Oreal manufactures more than 100,000 skin samples annually and uses about half of these samples to test its own products for toxicity and success. The remaining half of the samples is sold to pharmaceutical com-

panies and other cosmetic companies for about $70 per sample. However, the current method of producing skin is labor and time intensive. Organovo’s innovative technology will bring precision and speed to the process and hopefully satisfy the needs of cosmetic testing.

In 2013, the European Union announced a ban on the import and sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals, as well as a ban on the marketing of finished products that were tested on animals. This was a historic achievement that was a 20year battle in the making. This triumph serves as an important example for other nations to follow suit. In the same year, Israel banned the import and marketing of cosmetics that were tested on animals. In 2014, India became the first country in Asia to ban

cosmetics testing on animals. In 2015, New Zealand banned animal testing, and a federal bill to end cosmetic testing on animals in the U.S. was introduced.

Relying on animal testing to protect consumers is dangerous and unreliable. Species differ greatly in anatomy, nutrition, growth, metabolism and lifestyle—even a comparison to our closest evolutionary relatives is not sufficient. Applying animal research to humans can provide inadequate information and conclusions about human responses, which can harm the consumer. The switch to cosmetic technology testing may be slow-moving as many of the major brands in the industry test on animals. However it is time that the U.S. government steps up to end animal testing. It is time to find an alternative.

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ON

OFF-STAGE STYLE:

Photos courtesy of noisey.vice.com, theguardian.com, highlightmagazine.net, icangiveyouhouse.com, pitchfork.com, nausemusic.om

Written by Harshita Himatsingka

REBECCA & FIONA

THESE NEW PURITANS

X-AMBASSADORS

Rebecca Scheja and Fiona Fitzpatrick are a Swedish DJ-duo from Stockholm. The duo have recently released two singles, “Luminary Ones” and “Bullets” along with two albums, “I Love You, Man!” and “Beauty is Pain.” The duo is most known for wearing big platform sneakers, which never fails to surprise their fans. Rebecca and Fiona go from a classic black and white ensemble to rainbow colors in respect to all things fashion: from clothes to hair and makeup. One day the duo may have bubble gum candy-colored hair, and the next day, it is back to their blonde roots.

This duo is very experimental with their style. To incorporate their looks in our daily lives can be a bit tricky, but it is not impossible! Add some rainbow hair with a pair of either platform sneakers or boots, (Note: they don’t necessarily have to be seven inches high!) and a cute patterned skirt or a monochrome dress, and voilà, the duo’s look is recreated.

TNP is an art-rock and neo-classical band from Essex, England. Band members include brothers, Jack and George Barnett, and Thomas Hein. The trio have recorded and released three albums and are currently working on new music in Berlin. This band is as in-sync with their fashion as they are with music. The band has performed for various high-fashion brands and their drummer George Barnett has graced the runway and worked as an apprentice at Dior. These New Puritans are fans of well-tailored clothing, with sharp, well-defined lines. To incorporate this band’s look, pick up a well-tailored striped shirt along with a modern black jacket to complete the look.

Formalwear is also a great source of inspiration; a fitted, pinstriped, three piece suit works well for an interview as well as a formal dinner out in the city. These men know that a well-tailored suit and a pair of matching shoes go a long way. So gentlemen, take notice and follow in the footsteps of this classy Brit band.

XA are an American, alternative rock band from Ithaca, New York.

X Ambassadors include four band members: Sam Harris, Casey Harris, Noah Feldshuh and Adam Levin. Some of their hit songs include “Unconsolable,” “Jungle” and “Renegades.” XA’s style is very casual and with an uptown vibe.

While the band wears a lot of plain tees and jeans during their performances, their style becomes instantly edgier with the additional pairing of a cool jean or leather jacket. The band’s style channels a bit of a biker look, but it is more relaxed and urban. Incorporating their style into one’s daily wardrobe is easy: just pair a classic blue or black jean with a plain tee and a jean jacket or bomber jacket, completing the look with edgy sneakers or combat boots. This is an everyday look that can be dressed up or down according to the event; it’s casual yet stylish.

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the Most Fashionable Bands of

2016

HAIM

SYLVAN ESSO

NAUSE

Haim is an American pop-rock band from Los Angeles, California.

The band consists of Este, Danielle and Alana Haim—all three of whom are sisters—and drummer Dash Hutton. They have recorded an EP called “Forever” and an album called “Days are Gone,” for which they received a number of awards including a nominated for “Best New Artist” in the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.

Currently, Haim is recording their second album. The band’s style is boho-chic with a mix of a relaxed California lifestyle. The band is often seen in jean or lettered jackets and fun shorts, along with hats and cool sunglasses. Their style is casual yet high-end and stylish—think patterned or polka-dot tees, with torn and rugged shorts, paired with a fedora, or straw hat, and funky sunglasses. When feeling more glamorous, less is more for these sisters, as they prefer monochrome tones and minimal jewelry that really define their look.

American indie-pop duo, Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn from Durham, North Carolina released their eponymous debut album in May 2014. The album reached #39 on the Billboard 100. Since then, the band has toured internationally and performed at various music festivals including Coachella. Sylvan Esso’s style is focused towards comfortwear such as jeans and tees, which is seen on the road a lot.

However, Meath does say that she can no longer feel her toes after wearing her uncomfortable black platform sneakers. The band’s go-to color is black, and channels their biker-chic style on stage. To incorporate a biker vibe into daily looks, they add either a cool graphic tee, a leather jacket or a chic bomber jacket along with Meath’s sixinched platform sneakers. Red lips are also a good addition to the look.

For men, colorful and plain graphics or printed t-shirts are fool-proof. A well-groomed beard is also a great way to sport the look.

In 2008, Jacob Criborn, Kami Montgarde and Leonard Scheja founded the electro-house band: Nause. This Stockholm trio debuted their hit single, “Made Of ” which ended up being a huge success in Sweden and England. Their latest single out now is, “The World I Know.” Nause’s style revolves around the color black. The trio wear black tees and jeans for the majority of their shows. To jazz it up, the band occasionally is spotted sporting colorful jackets with funky prints. The band’s style can be incorporated into a weekend night out as black is a not only a great base color, but is also versatile enough to layer with. Nause incorporates black by layering up with funky, colorful patterned jackets or even just classic leather jackets. Slicked back hair is also big for these guys and the look is really easy to recreate, and makes you look, well—pretty slick. Girls can also incorporate this look into their wardrobe: think Kendall Jenner with basic blacks and a funky bomber jacket.

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BUILDING YOUR

SOCIAL MEDIA An Interview with Model Kristian Talan

BRAND Written by Daniel McGorry

Kristian Talan is a Boston local with a lot to say about fashion. He currently is a contracted model with Maggie Inc. and an aspiring designer, but more importantly, he is an avid Instagram user. Kristian used his social media as a platform to launch his modeling career and break into the fashion industry by defining his personal brand, and broadcasting it to the world. With his energy, enthusiasm and passion for the industry, Kristian is taking the fashion world by storm.

So, how would you define your style?

I don’t really have a specific style.

You will always catch me rocking something new everyday. I feel like many people think they need to stick to one style and play it too safe. My outfits can range from streetwear to dapper. Style depends on my mood and where I’m going.

Do you have go-to looks or pieces?

Anything black. Just need some ripped black jeans, a black T, my black Vans and I’m good to go. The reason I love black so much is because it goes well with everything and you can wear it anywhere.

How would you describe your Instagram brand?

Kristian Talan focuses on men’s fashion, styling and a little bit of modeling. Men’s fashion has been this upcoming trend and my Instagram inspires other guys out there to try different styles and put together their own looks, while also introducing new brands that my followers might have not heard of.

How did you build up/establish your brand?

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It was definitely not easy—I’ll tell you that, haha. When I first started my Instagram I had no idea what I was doing but I really wanted a place where I could lay out my fashion ideas and inspirations. I reached out to photographers and brands to try to see if they would work with me and get any exposure possible. I would say in the beginning 1/10 would get back to me and 1/20 would actually work with me. So there was definitely a lot of trial and error in trying to figure out how to communicate with brands/ photographers and find out what they wanted. Once I started to build up my client list more, and more brands/ photographers started reaching out to me, things were way easier. It was through my Instagram, also, that got me signed by Maggie Inc. in Boston, which helped with getting more exposure and jobs.

What’s the most important thing you have learned in building up your personal brand?

Be true to who you are—cliché, I know. I’ve always grown up in a community that restricts creativity and being different. It was either stick to the norm to be accepted, or deviate from it and be excluded from everyone.

Photography by Matthew McLaughlin

This is the first time that I decided to go for it and express my love for fashion. Getting so much amazing feedback and opportunities really makes me happy that I decided to pursue what I love.

a week to blog on LA Fashion Week. Pretty exciting because I’ve only been to New York Fashion Week, so it will be interesting to see the fashion on the west coast.

You keep your Instagram very active, how are you able to post unique content as often as you do now?

Every weekend I’m out shooting trying to get new content for my Instagram. Its honestly like a full time job but It doesn’t feel like it because I enjoy it. I’m lucky enough to have a group of friends in Boston that are made up of models and photographers, so we just roam around the city and create cool content.

Besides LAFW, I’m basically doing the same thing: working with different brands and photographers and booking jobs with Maggie Inc. whenever I get a chance. Always busy, but it just means that my hard work is paying off.

Any advice to other Instagrammers trying to raise their follower base?

Pick a theme. it can be art, fashion, modeling, interior design… anything you’re passionate about.

Use hashtags. Hashtags will drive in followers and get your work out there, if you put your hashtags in a comment instead of the actual post they still apply, and they become hidden once others start to comment on the picture. This just makes everything more clean.

Find your timing. Post at certain times depending on when you think the majority of your followers are online, this will bring in more interaction. For me, the best times to post are 7PM during the week and 10AM on the weekends. It’s all trial and error.

Take risks and be creative. Don’t limit yourself to what you post—there are no limits.

Location is key. People tend to see posts as more personable if they have a location that they can relate too. Also geo locations bring in a lot of traffic to your feed.

Post with a purpose. Don’t just throw posts out there like it’s nothing. Post to make your feed look consistent and also to portray some sort of emotion.

Be active. Show other Instagrammers support and you will get that same support back. I have so many dedicated followers because I like and comment on their pictures also. It’s all about creating a community and connections.

Social media is a science. Once you get started you will start to find out what works best for you.

Are there any interesting projects that you’re working on now?

Yeah, a company is actually sending me out to LA for

What’s something interesting you your followers might like to know about you?

Kristian Talan isn’t my actual real name. My last name is Catalan. I took out the “Ca” in my last name on Facebook so when I applied to jobs companies would not find me. It kind of just stuck. Another interesting thing about me is that I’m a complete nerd. People assume that since I’m really into fashion I have to be “cool.” Haha, not really. I graduated with a degree in computer science, and I love the advancement of technology. I currently am a web developer for a shoe company, and in the future I hope to be a web developer/social media strategist for a top men’s fashion brand.

What’s an idea that you live by?

This quote explains it all. It inspires me to do things my way and not care what other people think.

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - Rob Siltanen What’s your greatest aspiration in life?

I really want to start my own clothing brand. I’ve always had a passion in styling and designing but I was never properly taught. My goal in life is to start my own brand with some designers and collaborate so our ideas become a reality. One day, it will happen.

One day, I will be walking around seeing people wearing my clothes—I’m sure of it.

Don’t miss Kristian in this issue’s editorial spreads, and make sure to keep up with his stylish ventures on his Instagram, @KristianTalan.

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TOPSHOP ADIDAS PANTS ZARA SHOES PALLADIUM

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